Peer review is a cornerstone of science, whose quality and efficiency
depends on a complex, large-scale collaboration process, which is
sensitive to motivations, incentives and institutional contexts. Recent
proofs of the failures of peer review, due to judgment bias and
parochialism and cases of misconduct, have contributed to calls for a
reconsideration of the rigour and quality of the process. This Action
aims to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability of peer
review through a trans-disciplinary, cross-sectorial collaboration. The
objectives of this Action
are: (i) to analyse peer review in different scientific areas by
integrating quantitative and qualitative research and incorporating
recent experimental and computational findings; (ii) to evaluate
implications of different models of peer review and to explore new
incentive structures, rules and measures to improve collaboration in all
stages of the peer review process; (iii) to involve science
stakeholders in data sharing and testing initiatives, (iv) to define
collaboratively a joint research agenda that points to an evidence-based
peer review reform. Not only can a better peer review system improve
the self- regulation processes of science to benefit all science
stakeholders, it can also increase the social recognition and
credibility of science in Europe.

13 February, 2014

Conference – Models for Real World Policy

Date: 25th April 2014 – 9.30-17.30 with drinks receptionVenue:Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG
A one day conference for policy professionals to consider how the
policy making processes can benefit from new tools and thinking emerging
from study of complex social systems involved in real world global
challenges.
The event is convened by the four Complexity Science in the Real
World projects featured on this website. There will be an opportunity
to hear from senior policy figures making use of modelling in their
work.
As the projects enter their final phase, this is an opportunity for
interaction between academia and policy, building on local, national and
international stakeholder engagement that has taken place since the
projects started in 2010, to steer the outputs towards real world
influence.
The research combines social science with cutting edge science in
Maths, Computing, Engineering and Physics to develop models and
simulations using an advanced set of techniques. Applications include

care for an ageing population

immigration and diversity

sustainability

energy

trade

security

crime

international aid

employment and voting

Integration between these themes will be considered at global and local scales.

Speakers: These will include Prof Bernard Silverman,
Chief Scientific Advisor, Home Office and Alec Waterhouse, Head of
Modelling Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) together with
all four project leads, Prof Nigel Gilbert, Sir Alan Wilson, Prof Jane
Falkingham and Prof Ed Fieldhouse.

Programme: can be viewed here.Audience: The event will be of interest to senior
professionals involved in researching, analysing, drafting and
evaluating policies and advising government. They may be working in
Government Departments and Bodies, Civil Service, Think Tanks, NGOs,
Charities and other intermediaries. It will be especially relevant to
those with a cross-cutting remit helping translate new thinking.
Potential stakeholders previously unfamiliar with the projects are
especially welcome.Registration: The event is funded by the Engineering
and Physical Science Research Council and is free to attend. Lunch and
refreshments provided.

To book a place please register online and complete the registration questionnaire

You must register even if you are speaking or running the event so we
can gauge the attendees, catering requirements and perform an
evaluation. Please let us know as soon as possible if you want to
cancel your place or send a substitute, correct delegate packs and
catering provisions cannot be guaranteed less than five working before
the event.